Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1887-09-02

Saco and Biddeford Savings Institution shows
no signs OF abatement. No clue to McNee-
ly's hiding place has been obtained. Bank
make an official investigation.
From the facts learned Treasurer Kelly
and other bank officers are led to an entirely
new theory regarding the robbery. 1t is now
believed that McKeely did not know the COM
bination of the steel chest.
Treasurer Kelly says he thinks McNeely
confscated the bonds the first day of August,
while engaged in cutting coupons, and that
he did not get access to the securities vault
on the day he left the bank. If this is so it
is not to be wondered at that the young man
complained of illness, for he was well aware
that the bonds would be removed the first
day of September and that his crime would
be detected.
What disposal he has made of the negotia-
BILE bonds since August first is not known,
but he has been making frequent trips to
Portland of late, and it is supposed he has
been taking steps towards selling them. Last
Saturday he came out from Portland with a
friend and asked the latter to accompany him
to the Biddeford station as he did not want
to be seen getting off at the Saco station.
The $500 which he stole was all that the
cash drawer in the safe contained, but had
he succeeded in working the combination of
the steel chest within. he could have taken
millions of money and negotiable securities.
This makes it seem all the more probable
that he did not open the chest. but had stolen
the bonds the first of August when the cou.
pons were cut.
In place of the package of bonds stolen, he
left dummy in the shape of package of
old letters, SO that glance at the pile would
not have awakened suspicion.
LATER.
PORTLAND, Sept l.
Detective True returned to Portland,
Thursday noon He declines to make an
extended statement, but intimates that no
clue as to McNeelys present whereabouts
has yet come to light. 1t is also gathered
from conversation with the detective that
beyond the testimony of the Boston & Maine
ticket agent that he feels positive McNeely
bought ticket of him Monday afternoon
there is absolutely no trace of the absconder
up to date. Mr.. True telegraphed to all
points as soon as he was called into the case.
and has received answers assuring him that
men are on the lookout everywhere. AL
though McNeely had nearly twenty hours
start of the officers, it is possible he may be
still on this side of the Canadian line. If so
it will be impossible for him to cross without
the knowledge of the officers. One of True =
men, accompanied by McNeely's brother
went to Montreal, Wednesday,
Detective True has offered $1,000 reward
for McNeely and the money, or $500 for
either. 1t is now stated that the bonds were
not registered and that McNeely may have
realized on them.
The fact that McNeely stole bonds from
the vault Aug 1st, when the coupons were
being cut, is gaining ground, and it is belelv-
ed that other evidence endorsing that theory
will grow out of the examination tomorrow.
Bank Examiner Richards arrived this after
noon. His assistant will arrive on the morn.
ing train and a thorough examination of
every detail will be commenced.
There is no doubt in the minds of the bank
officers that President Goodale's statements
regarding the loss will be vndicated by an
investigation.
telegram was received from McNeely's
brother in Montreal today stating that he
had searched the hotels and boarding houses
there without finding trace of the missing
clerk. Detectives are at work in the Do
minion. Harry will arrive home tomorrow.
Treasurer Kelly tonight stated that he did not
apprehend any rush on the bank. He paid
out today only twelve hundred dollars, which
is much less than anaverage days business.
All demands presented were cashed, except
calls from two depositors for a thousand dol
lars each. These were notified to give no.
tice which the law allows before Withdrawing
deposits over hundred dollars.
The bank officers do not charge Treasurer
Kelly with the blame and will in no way
hold him responsible for the detalcation.
AT BAR HARBOR.